St Bernard’s wins battle of undefeated teams against Fitzroy

St Bernard’s produced one of the most commanding performances of the local footy season, smashing a fellow undefeated team by 10 goals.

St Bernard’s stands alone on top of the VAFA Premier B ladder.

The Snowdogs produced one of the most dominant performances of the season to smash Fitzroy by 67 points in Saturday’s top-of-the-table battle of undefeated teams at College Oval.

After just two wins saw it relegated from the top flight last year, St Bernard’s is now 8-0 and eyeing an immediate bounce back.

A 100-point win looked on the cards as the home team stormed to a 71-point lead at three-quarter-time before running out of steam in the final term.

Despite knocking off a flag rival in convincing fashion, first-year coach Stephen Alessio said nothing changes for his team.

Myles Gollant in action for St Bernard's. Picture: Aaron Cook

“It was no different to how we prepare week-in, week-out, we tried to keep things as normal as possible,” he said.

“I’m more pleased with the attitude the players have trying to implement the gameplan and they’re committed to their football this year, there’s a great feel around the club at the moment.

“We’re really happy with our consistency every week, the players approach has been impressive every week.

“Fitzroy are a formidable opponent, they certainly have some weapons up forward, so they’ll certainly be in the mix come the end of the season.”

A five-goal opening term set up a 22-point lead at quarter-time and the margin grew to 37 at half-time.

Another five-goal burst, while keeping Fitzroy goalless, in the third term saw St Bernard’s lead by 71 points at the final change to all but seal the four points before the Lions won the fourth quarter.

Joe Agresta, Ethan Schumann and Ben Overman were dominant in midfield, while Marcus Holland led the way with three goals as 10 different Snowdogs got on the scoresheet.

“Joey has been super all year, I think he’s averaging 30 possessions a game,” Alessio said.

Charlie Faubel in action for Fitzroy. Picture: Aaron Cook

“He’s been really good at accumulating through the midfield and is a great user of the ball too, he’s done a super pre-season and is getting the rewards now.

“Schuie is very similar, in terms of winning the ball, and he’s another that’s benefited from a big pre-season.

“Both of them hitting the scoreboard too, helps keep it ticking over and gives us more options when it comes to our scoring power, which is great.”

For Fitzroy, Rhys Seakins was best-on, while Tom Wilson, Jock Green and Darcy Lowrie were important.

St Bernard’s has played six of its eight matches at home and now faces a string of road games in the second half of the season.

Alessio was wary of his team losing focus after a strong start.

“We were pretty fortunate that we’ve had a good run of home games, so it’s going to be a big challenge in the second half of the year,” he said.

“I’m definitely happy with our performances but I didn’t have any clear expectations.

“I just wanted to get into the league and understand who we’re playing and implement a sustainable gameplan, so I’m happy that the players have been receptive and embraced it.

“The second half of the year will be a challenge for this group, we’re a young group, and it’s pleasing we’ve been able to make the most of our opportunities.”

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The Snowdogs face the first of those away matches after the King’s Birthday break when they travel to Frearson Oval to face the last-placed Monash Blues.

Fitzroy will look to bounce back against St Bedes-Mentone.

Elsewhere in Premier B, Beaumaris smashed Ajax by 100 points and St Bedes-Mentone romped to a 71-point win over Monash Blues.

Williamstown CYMS was too strong for Old Trinity, winning by 31 points, and De La Salle eased past Old Geelong by 18 points.